The interest in Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) tends to focus mainly on children, which makes information about adult Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms a little bit harder to find.
Although ADD is definitely a hot health concern in today's society, the disorder was not much heard of when the adult of today was a child decades ago. While many people are now worried about whether their child has ADD or ADHD, we are also realizing that many adults with the disorder have not been examined or diagnosed and have just tried coping with what they believed to be just undesirable personality traits.
How are adults being diagnosed today Do not be surprised to learn that many are now diagnosing themselves, after having learned the symptoms to look for in their children. As you review the list of symptoms, the parent often sees similarities in their own present or past behavior.
The challenges of adult ADD symptoms are similar to those of a child's, although they may be manifested a bit differently. Having trouble sticking to one task or staying organized and often procrastinates, just as a child with ADD does. The ADD adult might have a hard time maintaining relationships and controlling their moods, just like an ADD or ADHD child. The difference between the ADD adult and the ADD child is that the asult typically has more sophisticated coping mechanisms than the child.
Below is a self-test, keep in mind that this is not diagnostic. It is only a source of understanding for the adult trying to determine if he/she has ADD / ADHD.
If more than 10 of the following points fits what you experience on a constant basis, then it is possible that you do have ADD:
– "Thin-skinned" or touchy – with quick or exaggerated responses to real or imagined "insults"
– Frequent mood swings
– Procrastination
– Tendency toward exaggerated outbursts
– Tendency to worry needlessly and endlessly
– Tendency toward being argumentative
– Often overwhelmed by tasks of normal daily living
– An internal sense of anxiety
– Lack of attention to detail
– Impulsive job switches
– Many traffic violations
– Need for high stimulation activities all the time
– Spending way too much time at work to do what others do easily
– Difficulty in keeping an organized work/home environment
– Impulsive spending habits
– Frequent distractions during sex
– Frequently misplace/forget/lose the car keys, purse or wallet or other day-to-day items
– Family history of ADD, mood disorders, learning problems, or substance abuse problems
– Trouble following the proper channels or instructions
– An attitude of "read the directions when all else fails"
– Always late or in a hurry
– Bad financial management and frequent late bills
– Inconsistent work performance
– Chronic sense of underachievement
– Difficulty sustaining friendships or intimate relationships
– Transposing numbers, letters, words
– Addictive personality
Adult ADD symptoms can be treated naturally without medications by controlling diet and exercise. It is always best to consult with your physician with any issues you may be experiencing to get a professional opinion.
